The Surprising Ways In Which A DUI/DWI Can Impact Your Life

Difference Between A DUI And A DWI

There is a big difference between a DUI and a DWI. A DUI stands for driving under the influence and a person’s blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher while driving a vehicle. A DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. You can have a blood alcohol level of 0.07 or lower and be charged with a DWI. Although a DUI has the most severe of the two charges, either one will have a huge impact on your life.

There are different types of DUI/DWI. The most common type of DUI/DWI is alcohol. However, someone can be charged with a DUI/DWI for being under the influence of a narcotic.

Where Your License Goes When You Are Charged With A DUI/DWI?

When you are first arrested and charged with either a DUI/DWI, your license will be taken by the arresting officer and the state will then issue you a temporary license that is only good for 45 days. You will then have the right to ask for a hearing to review the suspension of your license with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration no later than 30 days after your arrest. If no hearing is requested, your license will be suspended starting on the 46^th day after you were arrested.

What Penalties And Restrictions You Will Have With A DUI Or A DWI Charge?

There are several possible penalties for a DUI/DWI charge. There are many deciding factors when it comes to the possible penalties and restrictions a person will be given, such as:

• Is this your first offense?
• Were you cooperative with the police?
• What are the mitigating factors?
• Are there any aggravating factors?
• And more…

You will be required to go to court to determine what penalties and restrictions will be placed on you. For many people, a DUI/DWI will be considered a misdemeanor offense in Maryland.

If you are found guilty of a DUI/DWI, you can face a fine that ranges from $500 to $5,000. There may even be jail time from a minimum of two months to a maximum of five years. You will also obtain 12 points on your license which in turn will cause your auto insurance to increase.

You will also have restrictions placed on your driving abilities over the next year or more, depending on what the judge orders. Drivers can get the Ignition Interlock Program installed on their vehicle to allow them to obtain a restrictive license so they can drive on a limited and provisional basis. Photographs are taken of the driver taking the test and are monitored by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

If you do not opt for the Ignition Interlock Program, you will have to rely on others to get you where you need to go for the duration of your license suspension.

What Fees To Expect With A DUI/DWI Charge?

A DUI/DWI is not cheap. Along with the fines the court will implement, you have attorney fees on top of all that. Attorney charges for DUI/DWI can be large considering all of the evidence your attorney will review. So be prepared to pay figuratively as well as financially for a DUI/DWI charge.

What Is The Next Step To Take If You Are Charged With A DUI/DWI?

If you are in the Baltimore, Maryland area and are charged with a DUI/DWI, you should seek legal assistance from The Law Office of Andrei Blakely first. Having an experienced DUI/DWI lawyer on your side to help safeguard your license and give you a fighting chance. Andrei has managed hundreds of DUI/DWI cases and has the knowledge needed to help you reduce the negative impact a DUI/DWI charge will have on your life.